Courses

Mountaineering Course Programme

Most of us will be aware of the tragic accidents over the past few years involving young people whilst on adventurous activities, and the growing public indignation that many such activities have been led by adults with dubious qualifications.

It is quite likely that within 10 years, possibly less than 5 years, self regulation by voluntary bodies and education will cease and no adult will be able to take young people into wild country without a National Governing Body qualification. We need to be on the front-foot, otherwise it will be our young people who will be the losers.

With Andy Brown MIC, West Lancashire County Scouts, through its Mountaineering Group, have successfully run a series of training programmes since 2001, accredited by the Mountain Leader Training England (note new name!) and leading to the Walking Group Leader Award , the Mountain Leader Award and the Single Pitch Award. These are THErecognised NGB awards for persons intending leading or being responsible for groups in hill or mountain areas of the United Kingdom.

These courses are offered to Leaders from other voluntary youth organisations in Lancashire, and nationally to members of the Scout Movement. We also welcome non-Scouting participants.

It is expected that the courses will be oversubscribed, so early application is essential.

VENUES, DATES & COSTS

Costs are kept to a realistic minimum by operating on a self-catering, bunkhouse/camping basis.

THE MOUNTAIN LEADER AND WALKING GROUP LEADER AWARDS

The Walking Group Leader Award is the new award introduced by the MLTB in 2001 which is aimed at those leaders of walking groups in non-mountainous terrain, known variously as upland, moor, bog, hill, fell or down. Such areas are often subject to extreme weather conditions that require self-sufficiency – and are especially subject to clag (er… poor visibility) with few or zero reference points that make navigation arguably more difficult than in the mountains. As such the navigational skill requirements of both courses are identical. The Mountain Leader Award requires further elements such as Security on Steep ground, Use of Rope & Belays, and Expeditioning & Wild Camping Skills.

The following are the four stages of the awards:

WALKING GROUP LEADER

MOUNTAIN LEADER

REGISTRATION

Must be 18 years of age

A member of the BMC or other Mountaineering Council

At least 12mths experience of

hill walking

An interest in leading groups

Must be 18 years of age

A member of the BMC or other Mountaineering Council

At least 12mths experience ofmountain walking

An interest in leading groups

TRAINING

Completed and logged at least 20 days hill walking prior to the training course

Delivery based upon a minimum of 30 hrs.

Completed and logged at least 20 days mountain walking prior to the training course

Delivery based upon a minimum of 60 hrs over 5/6 days or a series of evenings & weekends

CONSOLIDATION

Further logbook experience as agreed with the Course Director

Further logbook experience as agreed with the Course Director

ASSESSMENT

Have completed an absoluteminimum of 40 logged hill walking days

Hold a valid First aid qualification

(NOT 1st Response)

Assessment based upon aminimum of 30 hrs

Have completed an absolute minimum of 40 logged mountain walking days including wild camps.

Hold a valid First aid qualification

(NOT 1st Response)

Assessment based upon aminimum of 5/6 days either continuous or split into 2 x 3 day elements

EXEMPTION

Exemption from Training and Consolidation may be granted upon application to the MLTB. This is not recommended unless prior experience is significantly comprehensive. There is no exemption from assessment

Exemption from Training and Consolidation may be granted upon application to the MLTB. This is not recommended unless prior experience is significantly comprehensive. There is no exemption from assessment

There are various cross exemptions between the Walking Group Leader and the Mountain Leader Awards. For example, a candidate who has completed Mountain Leader Training is exempt from Walking Group Leader Training and may wish to take Walking Group Leader Assessment as a stepping stone to their Mountain Leader assessment.

THE SINGLE PITCH AWARD

The SPA is the only nationally recognised award that enables holders to supervise novices on single pitch crags and climbing walls. To pass this award you need more than just good climbing skills……….. you will learn about safe group management, crag etiquette, environmental responsibilities…… and more.

Within Scouting, the latest (March 2002) factsheet requires all authorisations to be assessed at the standard of the SPA for those parts of the SPA syllabus required for the authorisation sought.

Many organisations run one day site-specific courses for their staff – we suggest that consideration be given to attending one of these two day SPA courses to attain something recognised nationally.

SINGLE PITCH AWARD

REGISTRATION

Must be 18 years of age

A member of the BMC or other Mountaineering Council

At least 12mths rock climbing experience

An interest in supervising novices climbing

TRAINING

Led and logged at least 15 graded routes outdoors prior to the training course

Delivery based upon a minimum of 20 hrs

Use of natural crags and indoor climbing walls

CONSOLIDATION

Further logbook experience as agreed with the Course Director

Usually covers at least six months

ASSESSMENT

Have led an absolute minimum of 40 logged routes

Be able to lead “Severe” grade climbs

Hold a valid First aid qualification (NOT 1st Response)

Assessment based upon a minimum of 20 hrs

EXEMPTION

Exemption from Training and Consolidation may be granted upon application to the MLTB. This is not recommended unless prior experience is significantly comprehensive. There is no exemption from assessment

EQUIPMENT

An indication of personal equipment required will be sent with confirmation and joining details. Group equipment will be provided. For the Single Pitch Award, whilst a good pool of climbing equipment is available, it will be helpful if candidates bring their own rope and rack.

There will be ample opportunity to discuss and compare personal kit during the course.

SPA Candidates should specify either Training or Assessment on the booking form